Pakistan to seek water compensation from India

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday said that Pakistan will seek compensation from India over shortage of water at Head Marala after its neighbour constructed Baglihar Dam on river Chenab. Speaking on a Calling Attention Notice in the National Assembly, the Minister said that the compensation will be in the shape of water whose flow has reduced from 55,000 cusecs to 22,000 cusecs at Head Marala. The notice drew government's attention towards storing of water in Baglihar Dam by stopping the water of river Chenab by India. He said India can construct dam at the run of the river on its side but is also responsible for ensuring that water discharge at Head Marala remains at 55,000 cusecs. The Minister said that Pakistan is suffering a loss of 200,000 acre feet of water due to Baglihar Dam, which was also affecting crops out put. The government, he added, is very much alive to the situation arising out of the construction of dam and has taken it up at every level. He said the Prime Minister and the President of Pakistan have taken up the issue with the Indian Prime Minister. Replying to question from one of the movers of the notice, the minister said that it was not right to say that the government was taking the issue lightly. He said in his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, the Indian Prime Minister had categorically stated that Pakistan will not be denied of their right. The seriousness of the government, Raja Pervaiz added, can be gauged from the fact that water flow at Head Marala is being monitored on daily basis. He said the government of Pakistan is taking up the issue with Indian authorities with great responsibility. The notice was moved by Raja Muhammad Asad Khan, Raja Muhammad Safdar Khan and Nighat Parveen Mir.

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